International publishers at ongoing World Book Fair

New Delhi: At the ongoing World Book Fair the dominating influx of visitors at the China pavilion is evident but, what cannot be ignored is the relatively deserted state of the stalls put up by other countries. Around 30 countries are participating in the 24th edition of the Book Fair have been housed in Hall no 7 at Pragati Maidan, the venue for the Fair.

The hall contains three pavilions among which, one is completely dedicated to China that has been accorded 'Guest of Honor' status, the second pavilion is named 'Cultural Heritage of India' which witnesses live performances from artists as 'Vividh Bharat' is the theme of this year's book fair.

While some have been up front about China grabbing all the attention, others have attributed the negligible footfall to other reasons.

Pakistani publisher Al Hasanat Books, who primarily deals in the import and export of Islamic literature said it has been participating in the fair for the last four years and it is for the first time that their stall has been this empty.

The International Bureau of French Publishing from France has collaborated with Oxford store here to market its publications. While they refused comment on the contribution of China Pavillion in drawing crowds, they did not deny scanty number of visitors.